Cause of Death Revealed for Couple Who Died in Flooding Days Before Their 54th Wedding Anniversary

Cause of Death Revealed for Couple Who Died in Flooding Days Before 54th Wedding Anniversary ​

In an unfortunate turn of events, the cause of death has been revealed for a couple who tragically perished in a flood just days before their 54th wedding anniversary. Philip, 77, and Elaine Marco, 75, lost their lives on August 26, 2023, when their car drove into a flooded area in Liverpool, England, prompting Merseyside Police to respond to the distress call.

The incident took place on Queens Drive, between North Mossley Hill Road and Dovedale Road, during a period of heavy rainfall. Despite efforts to rescue the couple, they were pronounced deceased after being taken to a nearby hospital. The Marcos, who were due to celebrate their milestone 54th wedding anniversary shortly after the tragedy, left behind a devastated family comprising four children and 10 grandchildren.

An inquest was subsequently held at the Liverpool & Wirral Coroner’s Court, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the couple’s untimely demise. Senior coroner André Rebello’s findings, disclosed on November 25, 2025, revealed that Philip Marco’s cause of death was determined as “drowning with severe ischaemic heart disease,” while Elaine Marco’s cause of death was declared as “drowning.”

The inquest detailed how Philip was driving the Mercedes while Elaine occupied the front passenger seat when their vehicle encountered standing rainwater on the road. The report suggested that the engine likely hydrolocked due to water drawn into the air intake system, rendering the car inoperable. The absence of warning signage or barriers exacerbated the situation, as the area had a history of flooding incidents.

Coroner Rebello categorised the deaths as “misadventure,” attributing the tragedy to the vehicle’s immersion in floodwaters following heavy rain. The report underscored the failure to implement adequate safety measures, such as warning signs and barriers, to alert drivers of the potential risks posed by flooding in the area.

Describing the deaths as “completely avoidable,” the Marcos’ family criticised the Liverpool City Council for what they perceived as a lack of accountability in ensuring public safety. Despite the family’s pleas for acknowledgment of responsibility, the council maintained that they had acted appropriately at the time of the incident, prompting further distress for the grieving relatives.

The heartbreaking loss of Philip and Elaine Marco serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of infrastructure resilience and proactive measures to safeguard against natural disasters. As communities continue to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the need for effective risk management strategies becomes increasingly imperative to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The heroism of the firefighters who responded to the incident was acknowledged, highlighting the selfless dedication of emergency responders in crisis situations. The Marcos’ untimely deaths have left a void in the lives of their loved ones, underscoring the irreplaceable loss caused by preventable disasters. As authorities reassess their approach to mitigating flood risks, the memory of Philip and Elaine Marco stands as a poignant call to action in prioritising public safety.